Without question, we have some of the most spectacular sunsets in the world. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it. I challenge anyone, anywhere, to prove me wrong. I’ve seen many beautiful sunsets in other places, but consistently, the spectacular Scenic 98 Coastal sunsets are incredible.
For the first half of my life, I was Jim, and then, increasingly, I was Jimmy Lee. It's a nickname I gave myself in 1993, and I encouraged it to stick. It's been confusing at times, but looking back, I wouldn't change a thing.
Sahada Buckley has accomplished a lot in her 29 years of life. She has a bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia and a master's from the University of Wisconsin, both in Violin Performance and Music Theory. Currently, she is a member of the Illinois Symphony and the founder and Artistic Director, along with her husband, Trace Johnson, of the Eastern Shore Chamber Music Festival. “I have always dreamed of bringing classical music to Fairhope,” Sahada says. “There are musical events in the area, but one must travel to larger cities to experience live classical music. This is our third year of bringing classical music to my hometown.”
Summer is in full swing throughout the Scenic 98 Coastal community, although it doesn’t officially start with the Summer Solstice on June 20th. The extra daylight hours are a welcome opportunity to get outside and enjoy the natural beauty of our community, whether it's biking, fishing, sailing, playing sports, or just relaxing on the beach!
You never know what you’re going to get when you sit down with someone for the first time. I mentioned to my friend, Jack Wallace, that we had received an inquiry from the Pink Pelican Art Gallery owner about an event they are having in late May. He said, “That’s a great art gallery. We love going there, and they are great people.” I decided that I would like to meet Tamara Scott, the artist who owns the Pink Pelican Art Gallery in Orange Beach.
Once they’ve been to Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas, many people think, “Ok, been there, I’ve done that, I’ve been to The Bahamas.” While, about five decades ago, I was a part of this category of people, once I discovered the “Out-Islands,” also known as “The Family Islands,” I fell in love with an entirely new and unique aspect of true Bahamian island life.
Most people traveling along U.S. 98 probably breeze through the little town of Lillian with little more than a passing thought, but Curry Weber isn't like most people. The audio engineer and archaeologist moved to this community on Perdido Bay nine years ago, and he's determined to find out as much as possible about its past.
Something that even some of my friends don't know about me is I'm into birds, and have been for over 30 years. The preferred term is "birding" for people who are seriously into it, but I've never quite put myself in that category, even though I do own a handful of reference books, some nice binoculars and even a high-powered spotting scope.
For Dharma Blue in Pensacola and Chuck’s Fish in Mobile, good deeds are always at the forefront of their restaurant's mission plan. This also includes the original eatery, Harbor Docks in Destin, Florida. On a recent Moon Crush music festival weekend in Miramar Beach, Florida, Charles Morgan, Harbor Docks’ founder, invited our group to experience their 29th annual Take A Kid Fishing Day on Sunday, November 3. We loved it!
December brings the magic of the holidays to the Scenic 98 Coastal Community with an array of festive events for all ages. There's no shortage of seasonal cheer, from sparkling tree lighting ceremonies and vibrant parades to captivating holiday concerts and theatrical performances.
Remember the little ditty, “Every party needs a pooper, and that’s why we invited you?” Here is a sure-fire way not to be that person! Lights by the Bay is the side gig of Ashley O’Brien, and she can help you dress up any celebration with marquee light displays and digital photo booths.
We recently attended an event at 8 Reale in Orange Beach, where Patron revealed a new tequila. As part of the festivities, the Patron logo was perfectly sculpted in sand. As guests arrived, the sculptor, Janel Hawkins, was adding the finishing touches to the work of art and it got my attention.
Peter Albrecht has always been one of my favorite people. Whether he is reporting the news for WKRG News 5 or working to honor the legacy of athletes by serving on the board of the Mobile Sports Hall of Fame, he is professional and engaging. Recently, I was fortunate to sit down with Peter for “the rest of the story.”
At Scenic 98 Coastal, we love promoting good causes, and there are many opportunities to get involved. We encourage people to support these causes when they are the right fit.
Zoe Lombard-Todd, Artistic Director of Children’s Dance Theatre and owner of Creative Outlet Dance Academy in Fairhope, has performed in the classic Nutcracker Ballet for more than 23 years. She knows the music and choreography backward, forward, and sideways. At 7 years old, she was cast as a baker with Alabama Dance Theater, under the direction of Major Burchfield.
Are you looking for a quick road trip that is sure to get you into the holiday spirit? We have the answer. Andalusia, a quaint small town with a big personality, is hosting the perfect family-friendly Christmas in Candyland celebration which runs December 6 through December 29.